NYSC punishes corps members over theft, fraud, others

ABAKALIKI—THE National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Thursday, punished some 2012 outgoing corps members in Batch B for allegedly absconding from service to unauthorized journeys, involvement in fraud, theft and other miscellaneous offences.

While five corps members who passed out yesterday would repeat their service year, ten others would have their service year extended for various offences.

Also, two other members of the batch, Edidiong Nelson Udoh and Ebiri Chinyere, died during the service period, while another member, Nkiru Angela Itodo, who relocated from Gombe State, is still missing since August last year.

The state NYSC Co-ordinator, Mr Otaru J. Eshimakhe, stated this during the passing out parade ceremony of the batch at Abakaliki Township Stadium.

He said: “As the saying goes, in every twelve there must be a Judas. Some corps members did not live up to expectations and will be punished in accordance with the NYSC bye laws.

“Five will repeat the service year while ten will serve extension of service ranging from one month to four months on half pay.

“Their offences range from absconding from service to unauthorised journeys, fraud, theft and other miscellaneous offences.

“It is hoped that their punishment will serve as deterrent to corps members on ground and prospective corps members.

Eshimakhe enjoined the corps members to remain good ambassadors of the country and maximise the knowledge they got at the Skill Acquisition training while in camp and during the service year.

Governor Martin Elechi, who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Sam Mgbada, said the scheme was a veritable and enduring vehicle for effective youth mobilization in addressing critical issues of national integration and nation building.